Head of Engagement

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

As a Head of Engagement, you will help shape the external environment in Papua New Guinea by building influential partnerships, leading strategic engagement initiatives, and advancing advocacy priorities that support business success. Working closely with senior leaders and key partners, you will provide insights, influence policy discussions, and drive meaningful outcomes that strengthen the organization's reputation, resilience, and long-term growth.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and delivery of stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen relationships and advance business priorities.
• Build trusted partnerships with government agencies, regulators, industry leaders, and external organizations to create shared value and positive outcomes.
• Shape and implement advocacy initiatives that influence regulatory, fiscal, and policy discussions affecting the business environment.
• Provide strategic insights on emerging political, regulatory, and market developments to support informed decision-making and business growth.
• Develop compelling engagement strategies, thought leadership materials, executive briefings, and stakeholder communications that inspire action and alignment.
• Represent the organization with credibility and professionalism, fostering productive dialogue across diverse partner groups.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges, deliver integrated solutions, and achieve shared objectives.
• Champion integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement while creating sustainable external partnerships and advocacy outcomes.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience leading stakeholder engagement, government relations, public policy, corporate affairs, or external affairs initiatives.
• Demonstrated success building influential relationships with senior leaders across government, regulatory, and private-sector environments.
• Strong ability to develop and implement engagement and advocacy strategies that deliver measurable business impact.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to influence, persuade, and engage diverse audiences.
• Strategic mentality with strong analytical capabilities and the ability to translate complex issues into clear recommendations and actions.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams, build alignment, and influence outcomes in a matrix environment.
• Strong project leadership skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Degree qualification in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Business, Law, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.